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MARDI GRIPES

ANIMAL Liberation NSW is no longer queer enough for the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras parade. The group, which first took part in the event 14 years ago, learnt last week that even a last-ditch name change to ''Sydney Queers for Animal Rights'' would not be enough for them to march alongside other gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender and queer supporters, such as ANZ, Foxtel and Virgin Blue. But while the animal liberationists see it as a case of out-and-out discrimination, the New Mardi Gras chief executive, Michael Rolik, said increasing numbers meant they were sticking closer to the rules and groups with a separate agenda had to be, well, culled. ''However worthy the intentions of those groups are, we have to question whether they have a legitimate place in our parade,'' he said. The Animal Liberation spokeswoman, Lynda Stoner, notes that members, who copped flak last year for their float ''Cows are Cool - Leather is Cruel'', were also unhappy that Mardi Gras fund-raisers will be held at Taronga Zoo and a horseracing event.

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